from Starfleet Prototype – The Journal of Innovative Design and Ideas, David Schmidt & Mastercom Data Center
NOTES:
The Constant class of battlecruiser was so similar to the Menhaga class that few noted the differences in design and capability during primary budget meetings. However, the Constant incorporated a surprising number of recommendations made by analysts and field commanders concerning the Menhaga class. Hull reinforcement and heavier torpedoes were the primary system upgrades to for the Constant. The warp pylons were moved and enlarged to help address combat stresses during warp speed combat.
Internally, though, the Constant was a vastly different vessel than its predecessors. Through the vessel, the compartmentalized dual-wall internal structure of the Baker class destroyer was adopted to give additional protection from explosive decompression during battle. A secondary plasma system was installed on the outer edge of the warp pylons. Although only able to provide 30 minutes of plasma to the warp coils if the primary conduit was damaged, is was felt that this “backup” would give the Constant greater flexibility in some combat situations. Two CIC centers were installed – one in the traditional primary hull location and a second in the middle of the secondary hull. This gave the Constant greater flexibility during intense combat operations.
The Mk I Constant was launched in 2280 to little fanfare and mixed reviews. Like it’s earlier cousin the Menhaga, the Constant was decried as too militant a vessel for Star Fleet. With it’s smaller research capabilities, the Constant was criticized by many in the Federation. However, the Mk I had excellent firepower and good combat survivability. The primary FH-11 were some of the most powerful weapon in the Federation arsenal, and the larger FP-4’s gave the Constant firepower on par with far more expensive heavy cruisers.
In 2297, the Mk II was launched, increasing the shield system and enlarging the torpedo. Fire suppression systems were also upgraded during this refit. The Mk III saw an enlargement of the impulse drive and refit to the primary phasers.
Of the 15 Constant class battlecruisers built, 13 are in active service. 1 Mk I was destroyed and 1 Mk II was scrapped after combat.
| Construction Data: | |||||
| Model – | Mk I | Mk II | MK III | Mk IV | MK V |
| Ship Class – | X | X | X | X | X |
| Date Entering Service – | 2280 | 2297 | 2315 | 2340 | 2360 |
| Number Constructed – | 15 | Refit | Refit | Refit | Refit |
| Hull Data: | |||||
| Superstructure Points – | 30 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 42 |
| Damage Chart – | C | C | C | C | C |
| Size: | |||||
| Length – | 308 m | 308 m | 308 m | 308 m | 308 m |
| Width – | 141 m | 141 m | 141 m | 141 m | 141 m |
| Height – | 78 m | 78 m | 78 m | 78 m | 78 m |
| Weight – | 157,063 mt | 157,398 mt | 158,195 mt | 152,107 mt | 158,620 mt |
| Cargo: | |||||
| Total SCU – | 270 SCU | 270 SCU | 270 SCU | 270 SCU | 270 SCU |
| Cargo Capacity – | 13,500 mt | 13,500 mt | 13,500 mt | 13,500 mt | 13,500 mt |
| Landing Capacity – | None | None | None | None | None |
| Equipment Date: | |||||
| Control Computer Type – | M-6a | M-6a | M-6a | I-6 | I-6 |
| Transporters: | |||||
| Standard 6-person – | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Emergency 22-person – | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo – | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Other Data: | |||||
| Crew – | 305 | 305 | 305 | 305 | 305 |
| Passengers – | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Shuttlecraft – | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Engines And Power Data: | |||||
| Total Power Units Available – | 68 | 68 | 76 | 78 | 86 |
| Movement Point Ratio – | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 |
| Warp Engine Type – | FWG-1 | FWG-1 | FWG-1 | FWL-2 | FNWD-2b |
| Number – | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Power Units Available – | 26 ea. | 26 ea. | 26 ea. | 25 ea. | 27 ea. |
| Stress Chart – | D/F | D/F | D/F | E/F | C/D |
| Max Safe Cruising Speed – | Warp 8 | Warp 8 | Warp 8 | Warp 8 | Warp 8 |
| Emergency Speed – | Warp 10 | Warp 10 | Warp 10 | Warp 10 | Warp 10 |
| Impulse Engine Type – | FIF-2 | FIF-2 | FIG-1 | FIH-1 | FIJ-4 |
| Power Units Available – | 16 | 16 | 24 | 28 | 32 |
| Weapons And Firing Data: | |||||
| Beam Weapon Type – | FH-11 | FH-11 | FH-18 | FNH-15 | FNH-28 |
| Number – | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Firing Arcs – | 2 f/p, 2 f, 2 f/s, 1 a | 2 f/p, 2 f, 2 f/s, 1 a | 2 f/p, 2 f, 2 f/s, 1 a | 2 f/p, 2 f, 2 f/s, 1 a | 2 f/p, 2 f, 2 f/s, 1 a |
| Firing Chart – | Y | Y | Y | W | Y |
| Maximum Power – | 10 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 20 |
| Damage Modifiers: | |||||
| +3 | (1-10) | (1-10) | (1-10) | (1-7) | (-) |
| +2 | (11-17) | (11-17) | (11-17) | (8-15) | (-) |
| +1 | (18-24) | (18-24) | (18-24) | (16-20) | (1-22) |
| Torpedo Weapon Type – | FP-4 | FP-9 | FP-9 | FP-12 | FP-30 |
| Number – | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Firing Arcs – | 2 f | 2 f | 2 f | 2 f | 2 f |
| Firing Chart – | S | R | R | S | T |
| Power to Arm – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Damage – | 20 | 28 | 28 | 38 | 40 |
| Shield Data: | |||||
| Deflector Shield Type – | FSP | FSS | FSS | FSQ | FST |
| Shield Point Ratio – | 1/4 | 1/4 | 1/4 | 1/4 | 1/4 |
| Maximum Shield Power – | 16 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 45 |
| Combat Efficiency: | |||||
| D – | 162.9 | 166.9 | 178.9 | 213.2 | 246.1 |
| WDF – | 99.9 | 108.3 | 122.3 | 137.9 | 176.3 |